TUPELO - Congressman Travis Childers' open house at his Tupelo office was much more than a meet and greet for one New Albany man.

Dallas Pipkin, 84, is a World War II veteran. He earned medals for his service to the United States, but never received them after he completed his duties. After learning of Pipkin's story, Childers' office got on the phone.

After months of work, the medals that Pipkin thought about so often and never saw were finally in his hands on Friday.

"I just feel proud to finally have them," said Pipkin. "It's been a long time coming but it's finally happened."

The medals Pipkin received by Childers' office were the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, two Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel button and Sharp Shooter badge and rifle bar.

Childers said honoring Pipkin is one of the many things he wants to do with his new Tupelo office. Located in the Fairpark District across from City Hall, Childers said the office is in a perfect area to serve the people.

"We have a person in this office who only deals with veteran's affairs," said Childers. "Mr. Pipkin called us and told us about his situation and we worked hard to get him his medals. We are here to assist the people in this district."

Several people showed up at the open house. Childers and his staff greeted and thanked everyone for dropping by.

"We just wanted to open up and let everyone know where we are located and to let the people meet us," said Childers. "We work for them, so it's good for them to know us."